Lazy TV175

[Peterp]

Hello all,
I’m needing some advice on a standard TV175 series3. In my opinion it accelerates well, my memory of this model goes back many years but I’m quite impressed.
But…. It runs out puff about 57mph, this does disappoint me with faster roads. I have checked the obvious, is it getting full throttle? I run it on super unleaded and timing is set at 19*.
I know I can go for a full tuning barrel piston etc etc but want to keep it as standard as possible.
Can I trouble you experienced scooter tuners out there to help, ie. Bore it out bigger jets?
Pete

[Cgt75b]

Hi

My TV 2 motor ran very well with the 186 Mugello kit.

I think though you’ve answered your own question by keeping it standard, on the other hand they’re plenty of tuners out there who would happily tweak the barrel.

Good luck in your decision making.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

IMO the unmolested - but well maintained - Lambretta, will continue to deliver something close to the OEM claims.

How close your particular TV175 is to OEM, depends upon previous ownership. The likelihood of the exhaust being original is remote, I’m sure you’d agree. Then any work done is not always the best, no matter how well intentioned. Retarding the ignition timing is the generally accepted rule, but not a precise science. And so on…..

My advice would be to eliminate any guesswork & assess what you have, rather than simply replace. By working at a comfortable height, you can go through a methodical process & make better, informed decisions.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but a leak down test is easy - I just use an old MTB inner tube - & should be performed prior to & after any work. Piston to bore clearance, ring gap, squish, compression ratio etc etc are all factors that will affect performance & something you can optimise.

A well set up TV175 is a joy to ride & a smooth, capable performer. I wish you Good Luck with your’s

[martyn dwane]

Not sure what the claimed top speed of the TV 3 was claimed to be ,
lifted this from Series i,2 & 3 page on this forum
From our pdf info files
S2 175 65mph
S3 175 58mph

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

Not sure what the claimed top speed of the TV 3 was claimed to be ,
lifted this from Series i,2 & 3 page on this forum
From our pdf info files
S2 175 65mph
S3 175 58mph

From personal experience, I doubt those figures. However, the November 2025 edition of Scootering runs an article upon the TV200 in which the differences in specification from the TV175 are stated. The 175 top speed claims 64 mph….

[Peterp]

Thanks for the replies. It’s all very confusing don’t you think. A series 2 quicker than a series 3 “slimline”
So many different statistics regarding top end speed. I’m not after a proverbial off a shovel result but more a safe modern road speed.
My reason for asking so many questions is my obvious ignorance. When I was in my teens a long long time ago my TV175;3 was only nine years old and road speeds were a lot slower. As I’ve returned to scootering I’m floundering about with limited tuning knowledge. I was very competent in general repairs like barrels , clutches brakes etc, my old mum use to play hell about all the scooters in the yard on weekend which my mates had brought to be “fixed”.
I do feel as though I’m the newbie nuisance asking questions all the time but I’m very much pleased to be back in the scooter scene mixing, albeit, online with fellow scooterists.
Looking forward to perhaps getting to Llandudno and learning all over again.
Cheers all

[Storkfoot]

I don’t pay too much attention to any factory quoted top speeds. I doubt that any are near the reality.

In my experience of a standard S3 TV175, 57mph top speed is about right. I think that is about what I achieve without any rally gear on mine.

I have done many rallies on scooters that won’t reach a top speed of 60. I just avoid fast A roads like the A50 or A14, if I can, and make allowances that I won’t achieve an average speed of more than 30 miles in an hour. So, if I have to do 200 miles, I set off before 7am to allow for breaks and possible hiccups on the way

I am, however, fortunate in that I have a couple of 200cc scooters that will do high 60s so, if I want to travel long distances day after day, I could use them. I may feel different if I just had the one scooter, a standard TV175

[Peterp]

Thanks Storkfoot